It’s official, Norwich Launches Age Friendly City

Following a successful application to Centre for Ageing Better, Norwich has officially been awarded the status of Age Friendly City, joining the international community of World Health Organization Age Friendly Cities.

Age UK Norwich and Norwich City Council have been working jointly over the last 6 months to plan for the application as well as create a current state of ageing report for Norwich, looking at areas of targeted improvement and best practice. Celebrating the culmination of this work, and the official launch of Age Friendly Norwich project, the teams hosted a celebration on the 03 October 2024 at City Hall. Inviting key stakeholders, dignitaries and local decision makers to review what work has been done and what work continues to be a priority.

William Armstrong OBE, Patron of Age UK Norwich and Honorary President of Healthwatch Norfolk spoke of the projects ambitions ‘Ageing is a privilege, not gifted to everyone. We must therefore make Norwich an inclusive city where age does not limit aspi­ration or opportunity and where the quality of later life is a marker of our City’s unique character, culture and sense of commu­nity.”’

With presentations from Age CEO Dan Skipper and Council Leader Mike Stonard, as well as an official Age Friendly Norwich flag up the Norwich City Flag poll and lights illuminiating city hall to reflect the branding of the project. Celebrations included a look ahead at creating a network of Age Friendly employers within the City of Norwich. By 2040 it is expected that over 40% of Norfolk’s population will be over the working age threshold, with the population of 85+ expected to double in size. Age Friendly Employers will create a network of best practice, looking at how we can maximise the potential of our over 50s workforce and better support them into and through their employment journey.

Councillor Mike Stonard stated: “The council’s commitment to creating a fairer Norwich, where older residents are active, connected, and supported, is a key priority in our Community-Led Plan. Partnering with Age UK Norwich, we want to enhance the experience of age and ensure the voices of older residents are heard, nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community for all.”

The event included the release of the State of Ageing in Norwich 2024 report, bringing together important data and insights from across the city and county councils, as well as Public Health, as well as a video showcasing Norwich resident views.

Following the launch, the team will begin work with Norwich City Council, to gather feedback and data to understand what life is like for the over 50s in Norwich. As well as reviewing accessibility of public services and spaces, creating a framework of consideration for planning and commissioning of services in Norwich for over 50s.

Tackling ageism and assumptions around growing older in Norwich, the Age Friendly Norwich project will look at how infrastructure, services and attitudes can be improved to make the fine City of Norwich more accessible and welcoming to over 50s.

You can keep up to date with the journey as well as access best practice information and advice via the Age Friendly Norwich website: Age UK Norwich Age Friendly

Link to report: state-of-ageing-in-norwich-report-pd-sep-2024.pdf (ageuk.org.uk)

Link to video: Launching an Age Friendly Norwich (youtube.com)